Giovanna's Journey!

You slept all night & woke up at at 6am, sat straight up in bed & said “I’m so hungry! Can I have some applesauce?” You ate some applesauce and a half a cheese ball, then fell back to sleep until around 8am. Ms. Sandy came around 9am & you were excited to see her. We were laying in my bed watching Ferdinand the movie. It only had about 30 minutes left, but you started it over because “Ms. Sandy didn’t get to see all these parts!”

You looked much better this morning, not 100% but drastically better. Your low grade fever subsided. I was still struggling to leave you because I hate leaving when you don’t feel good. But you gave me a kiss & told me, “Mama, you better get going or you are gonna be late to work!” Basically, you just wanted me to stop kissing you and talking to you so you could watch your movie lol!

I felt much better knowing you felt much better. Around 11:20a, Ms. Sandy texted us that you were having some toast with honey & orange juice. You looked so cute in your robe. I thought you were well on your way to feeling better today, but you ended up still being pretty lazy and still not much appetite. Ms. Sandy had you take a bath after toast, which you needed. Unfortunately, she fell & broke her arm!! It was so awful. She called me in tears & I was in the middle of a closing. I called Grandma Noot & she came over right away to stay with you until I could get there. You guys watched 101 Dalmatians & you were feeling a little better.

I called to coordinate with Grandma Noot a plan for how I would get you – would she drop you at my office or could I make it home in time for her appointment. We decided I could make it home in time. You really wanted to come to my office & got upset that you couldn’t come. You were really upset and crying because you wanted to tell everyone hi. You sat in the corner of the bar on the floor and told her you were angry. She explained to you that you don’t want to get anyone else sick. You ended up falling asleep during your meltdown, literally while sitting up, because you were so exhausted. She moved you to the couch & when I got home around 3:30p you were still sleeping.

You finally woke up at 8pm! You sat straight up and asked “is it morning time? Did I sleep all night on the couch??” You looked a million times better and definitely got your energy back! We got a new infrared thermometer today so you were excited to take me, Harry’s & your own temperature all evening! I made vegetable stew and you ate two bowls! Finally! You ate literally next to nothing the last two days. I will keep you home from school tomorrow just to give you an extra day to feel even better and then you should be good to go.

We watched a little bit of TV and then you wanted to FaceCall Ms. Sandy & Daddy, so we did. She was in a lot of pain but you were so compassionate. You told her you weren’t scared you just wanted to help her. We will have to go visit her in the next few days once she’s feeling a little better. Right before we headed to my room, you grabbed a spoon and dug into the veggie stew singing “stir, stir, stir the vegetables up!” You snagged a few more bites as well. Another good sign!

We climbed in my bed around 9:45p and called Daddy. You were all chatty about his day, asking where he was, what he was watching and where’s Mr. Tom? You told him all about Sandy’s fall. No news gets past you lol. We let Daddy go and then watched Ferdinand the movie in my bed. Of course you weren’t tired because you just woke up from a 5 hour nap not long ago lol. I’m sure I fell asleep before you. I woke up at 1:45am and the TV was still on and you were still awake snuggled right next to me watching Nickelodeon. I told you it’s time to turn the TV off & get some rest. You grabbed the remote, turned the TV off, snuggled right up next to me, asked me to scratch your back and you were asleep in 15 minutes!!!

I love you so much!

You came to my room around 5:30am. You told me you took your night pants off already & you wanted to sleep nakie. You got up at 6:30a to pee & went back to sleep until about 8:15a. Daddy left around 4am for North Carolina for a work trip.

When you woke up, you came out of my room crying because your neck hurt. I was in your room straightening up for our house showing today. I rocked you in your chair then you said “I wanna call my Dad” so we did. You cried so hard about your neck and he was able to console you. It was so sweet. You came back to the living room, laid on the couch & wanted to watch a movie. When that was over, you wanted to watch another movie. I offered you some options for breakfast, but you didn’t want anything. I first, I was like, this is great, then you aren’t tearing up the rooms I just prepared for the showing. However, as the day went on, I became more concerned with your lack of energy.

When 11:30am rolled around, I was packing up to leave because the showing was scheduled for 11:45a. You were happy to jump in the car and excited that Harry was going in the car with us. We dropped off a donation at Goodwill & called Grandma Noot. You chatted her ear off lol. We drove back to our neighborhood and parked by the mailboxes until the people left. You were still in your jammies and not interested in changing.

When we got back home, I offered you lunch. You asked for a grilled cheese & frozen cherries. You ate literally a half a bite of sandwich & one cherry. You asked me to make broccoli soup for dinner. I needed groceries and asked if you wanted to go to the store and you said no. You wanted to watch another movie. I ordered groceries to be delivered from Whole Foods. You thought that was the most amazing thing! Around 3p you wanted to get off the couch and go lay in my bed. You wanted me to carry you all day, to the bathroom, the bed, the living room. You were so lethargic. It was definitely an “I want my Mama” kind of day! I tried to give you a tepid bath, but you refused because you didn’t want your stamps on your feet from gymnastics to come off!

As soon as the groceries were delivered, you laid down on my bed and slept for 2 hours. Sandy & Emily Brophy stopped by to pick up our Halloween costumes that need alterations. While they were visiting you woke up & came out to the living room crying hysterically. You climbed into my lap on the couch and I rocked you until you calmed down. A few minutes later, you were snoring on my shoulder. Grandma Noot came over to have soup with us & brought some broccoli (somehow it wasn’t in my delivery order). When I went to lay you down on the couch you were upset. I just needed to cook really quick. You finally laid down. You didn’t end up eating any soup at all. We watched two more movies. You were mostly snoozing since 3:30p with a few periods of wakefulness. Throughout the day you got worse, looked worse and felt warmer.

Grandma Noot left around 8. You wanted to Facecall Daddy, Aunt Deb and Ms. Sandy. You told everyone “Mama need groceries & I didn’t feel like leaving, so she had the groceries delivered to the house!” You also told them all “I ate zero of my soup” making a zero with your fingers for additional emphasis lol. Before hanging up the call with Daddy, you told him “Mommy is cozy. I like to snuggle with her. Mommy has big boobs.” Daddy was in the hotel lobby with Mr. Tom & they were both cracking up! I finally got you to eat a little applesauce around 10p. We watched Moana – our 5th movie of the day and then headed to my room around 11p. You asked me “can we check out what’s on Paw Patrol?” I turned it on, you snuggled next to me & we were both asleep in no time. I woke up around 1am & shut the TV off. I hope you feel better tomorrow!

I love you so much!

Ms. Marcela came by this morning to drop off tile samples for the new house. You were so excited to see her. You told her all about Harry & then made ice cream for her. When she left you were sad because you wanted her to stay. We were running a little behind because of that, so we had to scoot & get in the car.

When we got to school, you insisted on a photo on your “other rock” and told me how the next day (your usual way to say tomorrow) you will choose this rock instead. You walked confidently in the gate carrying your lunch box telling Ms. Noelle all about your picture rock. It makes me so happy to see you so happy to go to school and so self-confident. I love it!

After work, the first thing you did was show me your food plate craft that you brought home from school. You made donuts, ice cream, grilled cheese, hamburger & oatmeal. Then you wanted to decorate the pumpkins. You have literally been asking me for two days, so we did. You gave orders about which pumpkins I would decorate, which you would decorate & which Daddy would decorate. We decorated them by drawing faces with black Sharpies. Then you took them all out to the front porch and arranged them just so.

Installed your new booster car seat tonight. You wanted to go for a drive to test it out. “We are all set & ready to go! Just need to grab my water bottle please Mama!” When you got all buckled in you said, “I can put jewelry & stuff in here!” as you explored the cupholders and armrests! We went to Target to pick up an order then stopped by Grandma Weezie’s to show her your new seat. You proudly showed her how you can buckle it yourself and showed her your armrests (arm-rest-es as you call them).

On the way home you asked me what my Dad’s name was. I told you, Joe Martarello and you said “wow that’s a funny name. Is that like my Kyle Koontz?” I said, yes that was my Dad’s name like your Dad’s name is Kyle Koontz. lol. When we got home, you had a pumpkin bread snack and we watched a little TV before heading to your room to do Lingos. We snuggled & you asked me to rub your belly. You were snoozing in no time.

I love you so much!

When you got up this morning, I asked you to help me make the bed. You replied “I will go make my bed. You make yours.” I reminded you that you slept in my bed last night, so you didn’t need to make your bed this morning, so you should help me make mine. You acquiesced & helped, although you let me know how annoying it is that I have so many pillows on my bed & they are heavy. PS you also have a hundred pillows on your bed lol.

You waved bye to Daddy at the garage & then we packed up & headed out to school. You asked to Facecall Grandma Noot in the car. You told her she’s not old you’re new!

As school, we were headed to the gate and you said, “wait Mama, we have to go take my picture on my rock!” Then you told me, “God made the rocks and now they are my picture spaces.” You found a golf ball in the school parking lot, grabbed it & told me to have Daddy wash it.

You had a great day at school, then did another craft project with Ms. Sandy. She brought you to my office at the end of the day so Billy Elkins could take our passport photos. As soon as you came in, you couldn’t wait to tell me that you were drawing a “K” today & wanted to show me how to draw an “air K”. While you waited for me, you were drawing K’s at my desk. As soon as we finished, we went to Wicked Cantina & met Daddy & Grandma Noot there. When she arrived you ran and jumped in her arms to give her a hug! You went up to the hostess stand and asked for a table for four outside. When we went to be seated, there was a dog sitting at the next table. It was a super cute Boxer & you were all over her. She kept giving you kisses and you were giggling so hard.

You wanted to ride home with Daddy. He carried you through the parking lot upside-down and your giggles were priceless. He rolled down the window & you told me you were going to smoke me and beat me home! You did…I finished talking to Grandma Noot. When I got home, you & Daddy were out walking the block with Ms. Moe, Jack Daniels & Kory. Daddy said you were super chatty with everyone and ran the conversation. You asked if you could hold hands with Ms. Moe & you were telling everyone about your day. He said they were all amazed at how you are conversating like a grown up and especially Kory was like how is she 4?!?!

You guys got home at the same time I did. We headed to your room to read & do Lingos. You of course had “energy” so you were wiggly & took a while to fall asleep. But eventually, you drifted off to sleep peacefully.

I love you so much!

You came to my room during the night, but I didn’t even hear you. You woke up around 6a and asked if we could go back to your room. We did. You didn’t go back to sleep because “I have energy!” We snuggled in your bed & read Good Night Grand Canyon. When you saw the sunrise you said “the sun is coming up but the clouds are trying to keep it moony.” We got up and I went to shower. You told me you would stay and get ready saying “I’m gonna lock the door to have privacy and get dressed.” You…. You need privacy, but you were in the driveway in panties last night when you were saying goodbye to Ms. Sandy. lol. You did a great job making your bed this morning. You are always such a good helper. Happy to help unload the dishwasher or fold laundry. We just listed our house for sale & you have been great about keeping the house clean because it is for sale.

When I got home from work, you wanted to “draw eyes, smiley face & hair on our pumpkin.” You asked last night to do it & I told you we would today. However, as Ms. Sandy was getting ready to leave, you ran out on the front porch with out us. When you came back in she told you no pumpkin because you know you aren’t supposed to go outside without permission so we can keep you safe. You apologized but understood. You told me “Mama, my eyes need to see your eyes” to make sure you are safe. I always tell you that at the park so that we know we are on the same page. You helped me make dinner, then we played. We couldn’t go for a walk because it was pouring rain.

You wanted to go to my room to watch a little TV & go to bed. You wanted to sleep in my room so bad! I went in with you, we watched about 15 minutes of TV, read your Spanish book & you were out in no time. When Daddy & I came to bed later, you were laying sideways, hogging the whole bed lol. When I climbed in bed, you scooted right in to me and hugged me tight.

I love you so much!

Daddy had to take both of us this morning because of my flat tire.

When I got home, you of course wanted a snack, so I pulled some frozen cherries out of the freezer & you were so excited to have them. However, you spilled some on your shirt. You immediately took the opportunity to take your dirty shirt off & then run around nakie. We had crab cakes & you loved them! You ate 2!

After dinner, we played in your tents. Daddy turned off all the lights & put flashlights in the tents. You thought that was pretty awesome! Then, you wanted to ride bikes. I told you you needed to get dressed, so you put on your gymnastics leotard. You told me “that’s a great idea wasn’t it Mom!” We stopped at the mailbox. Daddy handed you the mail & you said “junk mail again!!” When we got back, you wanted to have popping corn and watch some of a movie. We watched the rest of Toy Story 2.

You brushed teeth, peed & ran to your room to put jammies on. I tried to come in & you said “not yet Mama. I’m still trying to surprise you! One more minute!” When you opened the door you had a nightgown on. You ran out to show daddy because you were so proud of yourself! You were out after a few stories and a Kids Lingo!

I love you so much!

Last night, you slept in your bed all night. You woke up around 8a & shut and locked your door so you could get dressed. We played a little in your room then made French toast for breakfast. You took a bath then sent Ms. Sandy a million voice messages. You love to do that. It’s always so sweet bc you tell her “I love you so much Ms. Sandy. You’ll always be my nanny!”

You played kitchen & flashlights.

The “tow man” came to get my car from flat tire last night. You chatted with him, of course, then sat in the driveway and watched him load my car. Just as he left, Daddy pulled in the driveway from running his errands. You excitedly described exactly what just happened to him!

You & I were playing playdough in your playroom when Grandma Noot called to see if we would go to lunch with her. You ran to put a fancy dress on and we did you hair with lots of bows. When she arrived, you ran out to show her your beautiful dress. We went to Columbia on the Circle, walked around looking for “kids jewelry” and she bought you a mermaid stuffy. We stopped at Kilwin’s for ice cream then headed home.

You got nakie then dressed again to go to Whole Foods with me. You ordered “2 cod fish fillets please” from the fishmonger. Everyone at Whole Foods, the cashier, bagger & shoppers in the parking lot stop to talk to you. As we were walking to the car you were pushing the cart and although it was heavy, you insisted on having no help. You really did a great job. As we were about to unload our cart, there was a car driving by to park on the other side of us. You threw your hands up to keep me safe and waved the car by. The couple got out and assured you that we were safe and they saw us…lol. They own a jewelry company & gave you a pearl necklace & stopped to chat. You are a very strong magnet & everyone is drawn to you. It’s remarkable to watch.

We went home, made dinner, played with your dollhouse, had melon & starfruit snacks & watched some of Toy Story 2. Then, we agreed we would head to your room at 8:30p. You set the timer on Alexa and when it went off, you happily kissed Daddy & trotted down the hall to your room. We read 3 books and you were out in 15 minutes, snuggling with the new mermaid Grandma Noot bought for you.

I love you so much!